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Distilled Spirits

Distilled spirits are the base ingredients for the majority of cocktails and it is important to know and understand the differences between the various liquors in order to make great drinks. There are the base spirits (vodka, rum, tequila, etc.) and there are the liqueurs and this section is an attempt to explain the basics of each.
Brandy Basics
Characteristics of the popular varieties of brandy and information for choosing a bottle of brandy.
The Gist of Gin
Characteristics gin, the spirit of the martini and many other great cocktails.
A Guide to Popular Gin Brands
A guide to the most popular brands of gin including value, premium and super premium gin listed by price.
A Guide to Popular Rum Brands
A guide to the most popular brands of rum including value, premium and super premium rum listed by price.
What is Cachaca?
Cachaca is a distilled spirit produced in Brazil from fresh sugar cane juice and is often associated with rum and the popular cocktail, the Caipirinha.
Tequila Time
Characteristics and varieties of tequila, the ultimate party spirit.
A Guide to Popular Tequila Brands
A guide to the most popular brands of tequila including value, premium and super premium tequila listed by price.
Vodka 101
Characteristics, profiles and techniques in making vodka, the most popular cocktail spirit base.
A Guide to Popular Vodka Brands
Choosing the right brand of vodka can be a difficult on because cost, taste, and intended use are important factors we consider.
Guide to Flavor Infused Vodkas
There are many brands of vodka and many of those go beyond the clear, "flavorless" spirit to include flavored vodkas as well. This is a guide to finding a brand which produces a particular fruit, herb and other infused vodka.
Whiskey Wisdom
Profile of the different types of whiskey including Irish, Scotch, Bourbon, Tennessee, Rye and Canadian. Learn the basic differences of this complex spirit.
A Guide to Popular Whisky Brands
A guide to the most popular brands of whiskey including value, premium and super premium whisky listed by style.
What is Mekhong?
Mekhong is a distilled spirit from Thailand that is made of sugar cane, rice and a secret blend of indigenous herbs.
Clearheart Spirits
The story of Clearheart Spirits, a distillery that triumphed over a natural disaster that continues to produce high quality vodka, brandy, gin and rum with plans for the future.
Tequila Mezcal and Pulque
Mexico for Visitors Guide, Suzanne Barbezat, explores tequila and the area in Jalisco, Mexico where it's produced.
List of Kosher Spirits
Detailed list of kosher and non-kosher spirits on the Star-K Kosher Certification website.
Sake Made Simple - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Benjamin Keyser of AllTheMarmalade explains the basics of sake and pairing sake with food.
Cane-Enabled Cocktails
Cachaca and rum are both made from sugar cane and Benjamin takes a fascinating look at these two wonderful spirits.

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